2020 Big Give: A Big Thank-You!

Pictured: Attendees at the first Big Give event in 2019.

As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, New York Tech alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends paused for 1,955 minutes (a nod to the year the university was founded) from April 1 to 2 to come together for the school’s second Big Give campaign. The annual event, held virtually this year, was a big success, raising $301,470, $83,356 more than last year, and well over the $225,000 goal.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who supported our students,” said Patrick Minson, M.B.A., M.P.A., vice president for development and alumni relations. “They are lucky to have such great alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends in their corner at this time.”

The global pandemic has forced universities around the world to shift to remote learning. Students had to leave campus, and many lost their part-time jobs. “More than 98 percent of our students receive financial aid and work part-time jobs. In fact, approximately 70 percent of our students work part-time jobs in order to make ends meet. Of this number, almost 53 percent work more than 21 hours per week, while another 29 percent work 16 to 20 hours per week. Due to recent events, many of their hours are being reduced or eliminated,” said Minson.

Campaigns like the Big Give help students in need. This year, $129,341 was raised for the New York Tech Student Emergency Fund, the NYITCOM Student Emergency Fund, and the NYITCOM at Arkansas State – Jonesboro Student Emergency Fund. Ahead of the start of the campaign, New York Tech’s two American Association of University Professors faculty chapters immediately reacted to the announcement of the new Student Emergency Fund and collectively designated $50,000 toward students with high need. Donations to the Big Give prior to the April 1 start went towards the Student Emergency Fund. Once the campaign kicked in, donors could specify other areas of need within the university during the 33-hour fundraising event.

“After careful consideration, we decided to move forward with the Big Give,” said Minson. “We believed our students needed our help more than ever, and it was our responsibility to help bridge the gap between what they have and what they need. Our students are going to benefit from your support. The New York Tech community never ceases to amaze me in its generosity and spirit. When this pandemic is over, I hope to see you all on campus and at events so I can thank you in person and share stories about why Tech is so special.”